In mid-December 2020, a new variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus was recognized to be spreading rapidly in London and southeast England. In Wisconsin, no cases of COVID-19 caused by the new variant have been detected to date, but it is plausibly already circulating in the region. Several clinical, research, and public health laboratories in Wisconsin are actively participating in genomic surveillance for novel and emerging strains, in collaboration with DHS and CDC. Clinicians can support this work by notifying DHS of any cases of COVID-19 that are travel-associated, or that occur in patients who previously received antiviral treatment, antibody-based treatment, or vaccination for COVID-19. Information about such cases can be sent to DHSDPHBCD@dhs.wisconsin.gov.
Rural Reporter